While we were deep in conversation, Mint had grown tired and fallen asleep.
Chocola, now full, lay curled up on her belly.
「You’re so transparent.」
「Fsshh… fshuu…」
When I stroked his back, he glanced at me briefly before burying his face into his own tail again. Looks like he was fully committed to rest mode.
「By the way, aneue*, as I mentioned before, you’ll be staying at my estate, correct?」
TN: Very formal version of oneesan
Sensing the natural winding down of the gathering, Noah brought up a more logistical topic.
This was only the beginning—Princess Yunia and her entourage were scheduled to spend nearly ten days in Sidera.
「Yes, we’ll be in your care. I also need to pay a visit to the Guild Master.」
「I’ll accompany you for that. I’m well acquainted with Cliche.」
「I’ll be counting on you, Sub Zero-sama. …What about you, Sui-sama?」
Since she had turned to ask, I answered.
「We’ve also arranged lodging in Sidera. We’ll be in town for as long as Her Highness stays. I plan to prepare meals as much as possible.」
Since we didn’t have any particular obligations, we’d simply adjust to their schedule. I wanted to accommodate their requests—at least within the limits of seasonal ingredients.
「That said, we won’t be relying on Sui for every single meal, day in and day out. Aneue, tonight’s dinner is being prepared by a local Sidera chef. Since you’ve come all this way, you should experience the local culture.」
「Of course. While Sui-dono’s cooking is certainly enticing… as Prime Minister, my primary duty here is to inspect Sidera.」
「…Yes, yes, I understand.」
Noah’s slightly admonishing remark was met with a nod from Eidel-san.
The princess, though… Oh. She looks a little disappointed.
She had probably been expecting me to cook dinner, too.
I had heard that Princess Yunia was two or three years older than me, yet she had a somewhat youthful, almost girlish air about her. Something in the softness of her features and the warmth in her demeanor gave off that impression.
That said, she wasn’t overly spoiled or demanding. She seemed to have a good sense of self-control and sound judgment.
—Well, if Mint wasn’t wary of her, that was proof enough that she was a good person. I certainly didn’t sense anything unpleasant from her.
「Sidera’s cuisine is delicious, too. Since the town is adjacent to the Void Forest, the magic power here is rich, and we benefit greatly from the forest’s blessings. Over time, a unique culture has flourished here.」
Honestly, I wasn’t much of a chef myself.
The professional cooks who worked tirelessly in Sidera’s kitchens day and night were undoubtedly far more skilled than me. What I had was knowledge from another world, a blade sharper than I deserved, and a few rare ingredients from deep within the forest.
Since the princess had come all this way, I wanted her to truly see the strength of this town.
I wanted her to understand the energy of the people who lived here.
I wanted her to know—Sidera was amazing.
Princess Yunia had picked up on my feelings.
She smiled gently and said,
「Sui-sama, you truly love this town, don’t you?」
「I do. It’s my second home. …If you’re free tomorrow, I’d love to take you to my favorite café. They serve the best cakes in town—on par with anything you’d find in the royal capital.」
「Oh my, I would love that!」
I had already promised Karsch-san a taste of Stollen, too.
Might as well make it an event for the Continuous Rain witch.
※※※
And so, the tea party—our so-called “formal introduction”—came to an end.
Mint, still sleeping soundly, was transferred from Grandma’s lap to mother’s arms. Chocola stretched out his front paws and yawned.
「Kuaaah… fshh…」
「Feeling better? Wanna go for a walk when we get back?」
「Bar? Bark!」
We rarely took walks around Sidera. Maybe we’d make a full lap around town for once.
Just as I was considering it, Princess Yunia called my name.
「Sui-sama. Before we part, there’s something I must discuss with you.」
「Oh, yes? What is it?」
Her smile remained gentle, but—
「As a member of the royal family, I couldn’t leave the capital just to indulge my love of food. I was granted permission to come here under the official pretext of inspecting Sidera. And one other reason…」
The youthful, slightly innocent air she’d had earlier was gone.
She now carried herself with dignity—steady and resolute. It was the face of a ruler, one who led and guided the people.
「And that reason is…?」
「For today, consider this an informal notice. If you accept, an official decree will follow. As His Majesty’s representative, I will conduct a formal but expedited investiture… 『Heavenly Bell-sama』, please understand, this is not an attempt to bind your son. The decision to inherit remains entirely with Sui-sama.」
「Ah, so that’s what this is. …Well, I suppose it was inevitable.」
「Wait, what? What’s going on, mother?」
Mother seemed to grasp the princess’s intent immediately.
I, on the other hand, was completely lost.
「I’ll explain when we get home. Yunia, go ahead.」
Princess Yunia turned to face me properly.
She spoke firmly, with regal authority—her words were for me.
「Sui Hatano, son of Kazuteru Il Hatano—who once rendered great service to our Sorx Kingdom, earning the honor of a viscountcy. I ask you now, do you wish to inherit your late father’s title?」
「Ah…」
I had never given much thought to my status as the son of a viscount.
But now, the weight of father’s legacy was being placed right before me as a tangible reality.
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